The Football Association (FA) is introducing a new 3v3 football format for under-sevens from next season, replacing the traditional five-a-side game. The change aims to give young players more touches on the ball, encourage dribbling and 1v1 situations, and foster creativity and decision-making. The format will last for one year before players return to five-a-side at under-eight level.
John Folwell, the FA's head of grassroots coach development, said the format provides 'lots and lots of touches on the ball, lots of dribbles, lots of 1v1s' and encourages children to 'try and outwit' opponents. The game has no goalkeepers or referees, allowing players more ownership and recreating a 'playground feel'.
The FA is following other European nations such as Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany, which have used similar formats for over a decade. England and Arsenal legend Rachel Yankey, an ambassador for the FA's youth strategy, said 3v3 is 'a throwback to how we played when we were growing up' and could help reduce the dropout rate, particularly among girls.
The format also aims to address sideline behaviour by parents, as multiple games run simultaneously, reducing focus on individual players. Folwell noted that 'the result can be paramount for people on the touchline' and that 3v3 'takes away that focus'. Trials over the past year have shown positive feedback, though some pushback has been reported.
